Quinton Aaron Says He Will Walk Again After Spinal Stroke

The Blind Side star Quinton Aaron has revealed he is recovering and will walk again after a spinal stroke paralyzed him in January. The 42-year-old actor, best known for playing former NFL player Michael Oher alongside Sandra Bullock in the 2009 hit film, shared an update on his health journey during an interview with Us Weekly published on Wednesday, confirming he was left paralyzed from the waist down eight months ago.

Aaron recalled going to bed one night in January with severe back pain, only to wake up having lost all movement and feeling in his legs. After being rushed to the hospital, the actor fell into a coma and suffered cardiac arrest, a medical emergency involving sudden loss of heart function. He was resuscitated more than once, telling the outlet that during one instance when he coded, he saw Jesus.

The actor is currently receiving care at a rehabilitation facility where he is working to regain his physical strength. He stated that it has been a journey, but he feels good, while adding that he has also been slowly regaining his voice. To help support his body, he is undergoing extensive strength training to build up his arms, core, and upper body.

Recovery Milestones and Leg Movement

Although he is still unable to register pain, Aaron explained that he can feel touch all the way down his legs and across his stomach. He recalled a major breakthrough while lying down and watching a movie, when a sudden reaction to something on screen caused his leg to move voluntarily.

Aaron recorded the leg movement on video and sent the footage to his representative, who began crying upon seeing it. He recalled telling her that he had promised he would walk again. Medical professionals told the actor there is a genuine possibility of recovery because he retains joint movement and sensory perception.

Explaining the medical trigger behind the stroke, Aaron revealed that an infection traveled through his bloodstream into his spinal cord and lungs. Spinal strokes are rare medical conditions caused by an interruption of blood supply to the spinal cord tissues.

Aaron stressed that his faith is driving his recovery and motivational mindset, declaring that he intends not only to walk again, but also to run, swim, and return to his former activities. He reflected that it is a miracle he is still here and emphasized that he does not take his second chance for granted. Reps for Aaron were also contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.

Initial Hospitalization and Life Support

Reports of Aaron's illness first emerged in late January when a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with medical bills and family expenses while he was critically ill on life support due to a severe blood infection. At the time, his manager Katrina Fristoe told the Daily Mail that Aaron was receiving excellent medical care while surrounded by family.

His family issued a statement to the Daily Mail during his hospital stay, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming love, support, and prayers received from fans, the public, and the community. They confirmed he had suffered a spinal stroke and noted that he was alert, aware, and recovering, while asking for space as they managed his ongoing medical needs.

Marital Conflict and Voided Marriage

Aaron married Margarita DeLeon in 2024, but while he was hospitalized this year, claims surfaced alleging that DeLeon was still legally married to another man. A source told the Daily Mail that when Aaron became awake, aware, and interacting, hospital staff and visitors asked if he wanted to see DeLeon, to which he responded that he absolutely did not want to see her or have her present.

The source stated Aaron felt deceived by DeLeon regarding her marital status. DeLeon disputed these claims to the Daily Mail, alleging that the information provided by the family source regarding her legal status and Aaron's health was inaccurate. Aaron told Us Weekly that the two have not spoken since he was hospitalized, and a source confirmed to the Daily Mail that their marriage has since been voided.

Career Background and Legal Controversies

In February, a GoFundMe page organized by a manager and family spokesperson sought additional funds for Aaron's physical therapy and occupational therapy during rehabilitation. Aaron gained international prominence for his breakout role in The Blind Side, the Oscar-nominated sports drama depicting how Michael Oher was taken in by a wealthy family before embarking on a successful career in professional American football.

In 2023, the film returned to headlines when Oher filed a lawsuit against Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy. Oher alleged that the couple had placed him under a conservatorship rather than adopting him, netting millions from the film while he received no royalties. Aaron has also appeared in other feature films, including Left Behind and The First Miracle.

Health History and Future Plans

Aaron previously faced several health challenges, including a severe upper respiratory infection in 2019, a diabetes diagnosis in 2021, and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure that he revealed to the American Heart Association in 2023. In October of last year, the 6ft 8in actor celebrated a major milestone by losing 200 pounds, dropping from a peak weight of 575 pounds in 2012 down to 375 pounds.

Aaron stated at the time that seeing 575 pounds on the scale made him realize he was eating himself into an early grave, noting he was only 55 pounds away from his goal weight of 320 pounds, which was his weight at age 14 playing high school football. He revealed he began taking the weight-loss drug Ozempic in 2024 but had to discontinue the injectable medication after suffering an allergic reaction, subsequently adopting intermittent fasting to manage his weight.

Looking ahead, Aaron plans to return to the film industry, write a book titled The Blind Side Of Love, and launch a new podcast titled Podcast 2.0.